Programs

Early Childhood Education

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in a four-year degree program that leads to dual Indiana state teaching licenses for teaching young children in infant/toddler and preschool settings, and K-3rd Grade classrooms. The ECE program emphasizes the preparation of teachers for inclusive settings, with students taking a concentration of coursework in early intervention and special education. In the IU ECE Program, you’ll learn to develop curricula and plan environments for younger learners and build educational theories that will inform your future work with young children and families. You will be able to test your skills and knowledge in real-world settings during the program. You’ll gain invaluable practice through field experiences and student teaching with infants/toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and 1st-3rd grade children who represent the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and abilities you’ll experience throughout your career.

Focus on students’ individual needs and interests with options for student teaching through Global Gateway for Teachers and earning of additional credentials.

Opportunity to earn optional teaching license in Reading.

Careers in Early Childhood Education

When you graduate, you’ll have a specialized body of knowledge and skills that makes you highly valuable for a number of careers. You will be able to articulate and defend a point of view about teaching and curriculum planning, implementation, and assessment, as well as about how to support young children and families for success in a multicultural, diverse society. Our early childhood graduates have successful careers in a variety of professional settings.

Specialized Course Preparation in Early Childhood Education Prepares Students for Careers as Professionals in:

Care and education programs for children birth to age three across the United States and abroad including private, public, corporate programs, Head Start and Early Head Start;

A variety of clinical and community settings which serve young children and their families such as hospitals and county health organizations, YMCAs, libraries and museums;

Local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and

National corporations (public television, publishing, etc.)

Program Planning

The Early Childhood Education bachelor's degree leads to state teaching licenses in Early Childhood Education (infant/toddler through preschool) and K/Primary Grades (kindergarten through 3rd grade). A concentration in special education is included in the course work in the early childhood program.